by Stacy Forster ¦ The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ¦ 12 December 2007

 

The Assembly voted late Tuesday to require hospitals to provide emergency contraception to victims of sexual assault.

The bill passed on a 56 to 41 vote. Because of a procedural move, the Assembly will have to take a final vote on the measure the next time it meets in early 2008. From there, it would go back to the Senate because of a minor change to the bill; the Senate passed it earlier this year 27-6. Gov. Jim Doyle has said he would sign it.

Emergency contraception, sometimes known as the morning-after pill or by the brand name Plan B, is a higher dose of regular hormonal contraceptives. Taking it within the first 72 hours after having unprotected sex can reduce the chances of pregnancy.

Under the measure, hospitals would be required to provide sexual assault victims with oral and written information about emergency contraception, let them know they have the option of receiving it and provide it to them immediately upon request.

Similar legislation has stalled in previous legislative sessions because of objections from abortion opponents, who say the drug could prevent a fertilized egg from implanting. Supporters of access to emergency contraception said it doesn't affect an established pregnancy.

Backers of the bill said it would provide an important protection for sexual assault victims.

"This is not about what my moral beliefs are; this is not about what your moral beliefs are," said Rep. Ann Hraychuck (D-Balsam Lake). "This is about victims' rights."

Opponents said doctors or nurses shouldn't be forced to administer a drug to which they object. They wanted to amend the bill to exempt hospitals and individuals on moral or religious grounds, and to notify parents of victims who are under age 16. Those changes weren't accepted, however.

"We have to be concerned about the doctors . . . who said, 'I'm morally opposed. Based on my religion and my morals, I cannot give the morning-after pill to my patients,' " said Rep. Daniel LeMahieu (R-Cascade).